Hey everyone, the past couple months I am starting to hear a thumping noise when im driving. It's kind of hard to explain, but it almost sounds the same as the 4x4 going out on a truck or something. Could this mean my awd system is messed up? On acceleration (whether soft or hard) it does this same thumping sound and it seems consistently thumping every 1 second. Does anyone have ideas or anything for me to check/try out? Any help would be appreciated as its kind of annoying and keeps me from having a smooth acceleration and I really dont want to make anything worse.

It's a 2002 A4 1.8T Quattro

 

Not to oversimplify the issue but have you looked at your tires lately? Especially the inner tread? I had a similar issue and I finally figured it out to be a front tire that had split on the inner tread where I couldn't easily see it until I took the wheels off. Just a simple place to start.

 

I agree with reaper, go simple first and check tires. With our monstrous winter around here and all the potholes it doesn't take too many craters to screw up a wheel, tire or control arm, shock etc.

Is the thumping consistent with engine speed or wheel speed?

Any difference with clutch engaged or disengaged?

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I always assume the worst but should take it simple first. I know my one tire keeps losing air, but I had 2 really bad tires replaced. I will have to examine them closer. I was planning on getting a new set of rims/tires for summer so I guess that can really help determine if the tires are an issue.

To answer your question, the thumping seems consistent with wheel speed. It thumps really bad in 1st and 2nd gear, barely in 3rd, and 4th/5th I dont hear it at all. (Keep in mind this is a 5 speed). Also when it "thumps" the car kinda jerks a bit and I can actually feel the thumping while also hear it.

I hope this can help troubleshoot the issue. Thanks again for the responses.